DFB Regionalliga reform faces support and opposition

The German Football Association (DFB) is moving toward a reform of the Regionalliga, known as the ‘Kompassmodell’ (Compass Model), which aims to resolve long-standing disputes regarding promotion to the 3. Liga. Under this proposal, the current five regional divisions would be reduced to four, with each division containing 20 teams organized geographically. A key feature of the model is that it would allow every regional champion to earn direct promotion to the third tier.

FC Bayern München CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has voiced strong support for the plan, calling it the ‘best compromise’ and urging a swift decision to avoid further stagnation in German football. He expressed hope that the necessary majority would be reached during the extraordinary DFB Bundestag scheduled for December 18.

However, the reform faces opposition in the Southwest region. The Regionalliga Südwest has expressed concerns regarding the model, particularly concerning how clubs might be distributed across divisions based on travel distances. There are also reports of communication issues and confusion among clubs regarding promotion rights and the future management of the leagues.